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Romanian Orthodox Young Adults Gather in Chicago for 2026 AROY Conference
The AROY conference will unite Romanian Orthodox young adults in prayer, fellowship, and reflection on living as witnesses to Christ’s light.
CHICAGO — Romanian Orthodox young adults from across the United States are gathering in Chicago Sept. 4–6 for the 2026 National Conference of the American Romanian Orthodox Youth (AROY), with the blessing of Abp. Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America.
Hosted by the Falling Asleep of the Ever-Virgin Mary Romanian Orthodox Parish, the conference will bring participants together for prayer, fellowship, discussion, and opportunities for leadership and service. Bp. Andrei of Cleveland, Auxiliary Bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate, will participate throughout the weekend.
This year’s theme, "I Am the Light of the World," is drawn from John 8:12 and will focus on how Orthodox Christians can reflect the light of Christ in their lives and communities. Particular attention will be given to Archimandrite Roman Braga, a Romanian communist-era confessor and spiritual father in North America whose cause for canonization is under consideration.
Mother Christophora, Abbess of Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, will deliver the keynote address. The conference will also include small-group discussions, an AROY meeting, Great Vespers, and an evening dinner and dance. On Sunday, Bp. Andrei will celebrate the Divine Liturgy, followed by a banquet.
A special part of the gathering will be the Sept. 5 visit of the miracle-working Iveron Icon of Hawaii to St. Mary Romanian Orthodox Church. The icon will be available for veneration from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., with an Akathist at 2 p.m. The conference will conclude Sunday with Matins at 9 a.m. and Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m.
Previously, the UOJ reported that a relic of St. Herman of Alaska was to visit South Florida.
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